I teach or co-teach three undergraduate courses each semester at UGA. Entomology Outreach and Service-Learning connects UGA students with the community through educational outreach programs with live and pinned insects and arthropods. Entomology Undergraduate Seminar is an upper level course offered to science and non-science majors and exposes students to cutting edge research in the field of entomology. Invited speakers range from academia, state and federal governmental agencies and industry. Entomology Undergraduate Research is a directed independent study where students spend the semester researching an entomological topic of interest and write a research paper. I am also the Program Director for Insect and Bird Natural History in Costa Rica, an entomolgy summer study abraod course.

Research Interests

I am particularly interested in researching and assessing science teaching and learning in higher education by introducing, integrating and evaluating service-learning courses in entomology. bridging theory and practice through stand alone entomology service-learning courses (Entomology Outreach & Service-Learning) and as a component of existing entomology courses (Insect and Bird Natural History in Costa Rica).

Professional Interests

I am involved in undergraduate academic advising of Entomology, Applied Biotechnology and Biological Science Majors in the College ofAgricultural and Environmental Sciences. I also interact with entomology majors and graduate students providing assistance with programs of study, job placement, CV and grant writing as well as various other tasks. Also, I provide insect and arthropod identifications, undergraduate recruitment and advising, as well as assisting in educational entomological outreaches in the Athens community and abroad. I am also involved in undergraduate student recruitment and departmental promotion. In addition I work closely with the H.O. Lund Entomology Club to coordinate and participate in departmental outreach and educational events in Athens and the surrounding communities. In 2006, I developed, implemented and annually coordinate and direct Entomology’s study abroad course in Costa Rica.